The Slytherin House parties were simply the best in Hogwarts.

It didn’t matter that the boys were complete arrogant idiots— when it came to partying, no one did it better than them.

The room was suffocating, the heat mixed with alcohol, smoke and music pulsating on the walls. But the weather... the weather was alive. Loaded with energy, danger, promises whispered in the dark corners. And you were there. Of course you were.

Numb teenagers, illegal drinks, secrets and loud laughter— the perfect mix.

And at the center of everything: body shot.

The most stupid and, at the same time, most deliciously provocative joke of the night.

The rule was simple: someone took a body shot on you. And if you got too excited, you lost.

Or won, depending on the point of view.

You were just watching. Laughing. With your arms crossed while the others challenged each other and moaned falsely to provoke laughter and tension. Until it was his turn.

Marcus Lopez.

Of course it was him. Because the universe has a cruel sense of humor.

And as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, he turned the bottle slowly and, with that little smile that you knew too well, pointed straight at you.

“I washed.”

The whole circle was silent.

The eyes turned to you as if they were witnessing the harbing of the apocalypse.

You and Marcus have always been... combustion. Provocation and poison disguised as acid flirtation. You exchanged barbs as if they were kisses. There was never peace between you - only war and tension.

You could have refused. It would be easy. And that’s what he expected.

But you saw the challenge in his eyes. The glow that said “I doubt you’ll play”.

And that’s why you took a step forward. With your head held high and blood burning under the skin.

For a fraction of a second, his little smile faltered. Just a second. But you saw it.

And then he threw himself on the chair like a king on his private throne, pulling the T-shirt over his head and revealing the tattooed torso— hot, provocative, and annoyingly beautiful.

“Come on, gorgeous.”

Shit.